Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On November 11, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received the delegation led by Kazbek Taysaev, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on CIS Issues, Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots of the State Duma of the RF Federal Assembly.

The Armenian Patriarch noted with satisfaction that the Armenian-Russian friendship and relations have a long and rich history. His Holiness considered such mutual visits of statesmen, public and cultural figures necessary for the benefit of strengthening the cooperation of the two countries and the brotherhood of the nations.

The Catholicos of All Armenians welcomed the arrival of the delegation of the Russian State Duma in this difficult period for Armenia and Artsakh, referring in particular to the situation and post-war challenges caused by the 44-day war and Azerbaijan's military aggression against the sovereign territories of Armenia on September 13. In this regard, the Patriarch of Armenia expressed his gratitude to the friendly Russian President Vladimir Putin's efforts to settle the conflict and establish stable peace in the region. His Holiness Karekin II expressed hope that these efforts will contribute to ensuring the free and safe life of our people of Artsakh, the withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from the sovereign territories of the Republic of Armenia, the release of captives and civilians held in Azerbaijan, and the return of the bodies of the killed  Armenians.

At the meeting, a private reference was also made to the existing warm and fraternal relations and cooperation between the two Churches.

Mr. Kazbek Taysaev, in turn, referred to the results of the visit, emphasizing that during the visit, important work was done to further strengthen the friendly and allied relations between the two countries. The latter confirmed that the delegation will do its best to contribute to overcoming the challenges facing the Armenian people. At the conclusion, the Patriarch of All Armenians offered a prayer to God for the peaceful and prosperous life of the two nations.